Originally built in 1881 and expanded in 1914, Loch Raven Reservoir was once home to the now-submerged mill town of Warren, making it a hidden relic of Maryland’s past. Today, it provides drinking water to Baltimore while doubling as a stunning recreational retreat, drawing hikers, anglers, and kayakers to its scenic shores.

The reservoir’s winding trails lead visitors through dense woodlands and over historic bridges, including the still-standing Warren Road Bridge from 1923. Adventurers can paddle its glassy waters, teeming with bass and perch, or test their aim at the nearby Loch Raven Skeet & Trap range. The area is also steeped in legend—one of its old bridges was even the site of a documented UFO sighting investigated by Project Blue Book in 1958.

On weekends, parts of Loch Raven Drive close to cars, transforming into a paradise for cyclists and joggers who revel in uninterrupted waterfront views. While swimming is prohibited to protect the water supply, the reservoir remains one of the region’s most peaceful and scenic getaways—whether you’re exploring its depths by boat, casting a fishing line, or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of Maryland’s backcountry.